yesergio Rico González (Sevilla, 1993) is the new Real Mallorca goalkeeper. The Andalusian came to the island from PSG with the intention of enjoying the minutes he lacked in France, and sharing a goal with two monsters like Keylor Navas and Gianluigi Donnarumma is not easy at all. He arrived just a few weeks ago and has already taken ownership. His new coach, Luis García Plaza, has given him maximum confidence in being the goalkeeper who guides Mallorca to stay in the First Division.
Question: How did you feel against Cádiz in your debut in front of your new fans?
Answer: Very happy and happy to debut at home with victory, which is what every professional player dreams of, I am very happy for that and for the team to come out of that losing streak because nobody likes to be in that situation and it was necessary get those three points. It has been an injection of motivation for the upcoming matches.
Q: There was a lot of controversy with the Ledesma – Ángel Rodríguez penalty. What do you think?
A: We went out with the knee to try to protect ourselves a little, but if you see the play you see that Angel’s life could be in danger, it is a tremendous blow with the knee that is a hard bone. Beyond the goalkeeper’s protection is Ángel’s physical integrity, so for me it was a penalty.
Q: You have three of the next four meetings at Visit Mallorca. Is it a key moment to approach permanence?
A: Of course it is. I think it’s essential that in these three home games we do everything possible to get the three points. We ask the fans to be with us, like the other day, the atmosphere that was created in the stadium was spectacular and to look at the stands full of those fans cheering and shouting. It is something that is very noticeable on the field, in those moments of fatigue they are one more and it is as if we were playing with twelve players. We ask you to continue the same, with that strength and transmitting that great support.
Q: How do you see the game against Athletic? They have only lost one away game.
A: It’s going to be a very tough match, physically they are very strong and they have a lot of speed in attack, it will be difficult. We will have to be aware of their counterattacks and the small details of the brand so that there are no loose players and everything is controlled. It will be a game where we have to be focused for 90 minutes and try to plant our football so that we can win.
Q: Can the Cup take its toll on you?
A: Physically the minutes are noticeable and if we can take advantage of it we will try and hopefully that will help us to get the three points.
Q: There is a lot of competition in goal. Four goalkeepers for a single position. How do you live from the inside?
A: They have welcomed me very well and that is always appreciated. All my teammates have received me well, not just those in goal. At the end of the day, even though we all want to play, we have to put the common goal of the team first and they are professionals and they are showing it.
Q: Luis García Plaza asked for his incorporation. Was it an important aspect to end up choosing the Mallorca option?
A: Due to my situation in Paris, I wanted to have minutes and feel important in goal. I am having the opportunity to enjoy them here in Mallorca, happy about it and wanting to return this confidence to both the coach and my teammates.
Q: In a few months you will have to return to PSG. Is there any chance of being able to continue on the island?
A: In what we signed there is no purchase option, but we will see what happens at the end of the season and in the summer market we will wait for events. What I do hope is that Mallorca stays in the First Division, which is where it deserves to be, and I will do everything possible to make it happen and so be it, but above all, no matter what happens, I will always carry Mallorca in my heart.”
Q: It comes from living with a trident like Mbappé, Neymar and Messi. What is the day-to-day life of a PSG footballer like?
A: Sharing a locker room with this type of star is a brutal experience professionally. Anyone would love to share a dressing room with this type of player. In addition, I have been lucky enough to see them beyond football and they are very good people, with a big heart. I have been able to share with them things outside the football field and above all I stay with that.
Q: What did you like the most about your arrival in Mallorca? Did you miss Spain?
A: Everyone is very helpful and friendly, wanting to help at all times. I keep that because I’m like that too, I always want to help mine. I had been away for almost four years and being in Spain is appreciated. It is very nice to be able to talk to people without language difficulties… and being in Spain is always enjoyable.
Q: A wish for this season and a message for the fans.
A: That Mallorca continue in the First Division because it is a great club, with a good track record. And to the fans who show us all their support, which is very important to us and we feel it very strongly on the field.
